"There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward."
—Kahlil Gibran—

Kimberley R. McCoy is an exceptional woman who has survived many challenges including two difficult marriages, endured Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and coped with other family challenges.

Nonetheless, she has made extraordinary commitments in her life. "I moved forward in my life in a positive, goal-directed way to complete my dreams," says Ms. McCoy.

Ms. McCoy has accomplished a great deal since then. Not only has she earned a Masters degree in education from Loyola College of Maryland, she completed a second Masters degree in Social Work from University of Maryland School of Social Work.

"I decided that I was not going to make this the end of my life but to do something for others each year on my birthday."

Ms. McCoy began a Life Enrichment Pampering Party for women. At first it started off as a pampering party for women, but over the years has grown to be more than a pampering party. "I came up with an idea to open The Joy of Living, Inc. providing services for women and children under one umbrella.

In 1992, Ms. McCoy established The Joy of Living, Inc. The Joy of Living, Inc. is a full-service women's wellness center with certified counseling and therapeutics for women and children. A variety of unique programs are offered. Here, resources, information, therapy services, education, training, hair care services, counseling services, drop-off daycare and a range of other services are provided to help women cultivate a positive sense of self-worth in themselves and in their children.

"I work with women who are transitioning from welfare to work or from homelessness or public housing to revitalized housing," says Ms. McCoy. "We focus on cultivating a positive sense of self-worth, learning sound financial planning and transitioning to successful living," she continued. "These are the keys to satisfaction in life. My commitment to this work arises out of my own life," she went on.

A Women's Conference has been planned for May 6th. This conference, A Day With Extraordinary Women will be an all day event filled with personal growth activities, health issues, a fashion show, poetry readings and Jewel Diamond Taylor, author of Too Blessed to Be Stressed.

This event will be featured on Baltimore Knows next month.

Read more about the Joy of Living Women's Pavilion at www.thejoyofliving.biz.